Fullback João Cancelo, who joined Al-Hilal on loan from Barcelona in January, said the squad’s international pedigree meant they never felt overawed by a Madrid line-up stacked with stars such as Vinícius Júnior and Luka Modrić.
“Each of us plays for his national team – that shows our level,” Cancelo told reporters.
“It’s hard against the best players in the world, but we showed we belong.”
Defender Hassan Tambakti highlighted Inzaghi’s role for precising a game-plan that blunted the 14-time European champions.
“The coach gave us clear instructions on Madrid’s strengths and weaknesses and we executed most of them,” Tambakti said.
“It was tough for both sides, but Al-Hilal are also a big team who can face anyone.”
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, whose stoppage-time penalty save from Federico Valverde rescued the point, downplayed his personal heroics and highlighted what he called a “tactically smart” performance.
“Penalties need instinct and luck, yes, but the decisive factor was our tactics,” Bounou said.
“We pressed when we had to and defended when we had to.”
Skipper Salem al-Dawsari, a veteran of three World Cups with Saudi Arabia, said the draw underlined the strength of the Saudi Pro League and set a platform for qualification.
“We didn’t come for tourism; we came to honor our country,” he said.
“Our goal is the round of 16, then we go step by step.”
The result marked the first time an Arab side had avoided defeat against a European champion in 11 attempts at the Club World Cup.
It was also the first time any Asian team had taken a point off Madrid, who had won all 14 previous meetings with Asian opposition.
Gonzalo García opened the scoring for Madrid in the 34 th minute before Rúben Neves levelled from the spot seven minutes later.
Madrid coach Xabi Alonso and Inzaghi were both making their competitive debuts after replacing Carlo Ancelotti and Jorge Jesus respectively before the tournament.
Group H also includes Mexico’s Pachuca and Austria’s Salzburg. The top two advance to the last 16.
Al-Hilal face Pachuca on Monday, while Madrid will take on Salzburg the following day.
Find more details on group standings, match schedules, and competition statistics.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)